Stage 1
Heidi Morgan MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Heidi is currently studying nursing at Monash University and is passionate about learning and improving quality of care. She works as a RUSON and a medication-competent aged care PCA. Heidi particularly loves her aged care role, where she has built close connections with residents over time and feels like she makes a real difference to their lives. She also enjoys the critical thinking and lifelong learning of critical care areas and hopes to gain experience in these settings. Long term, Heidi dreams of striving to improve the rural aged care sector, in education, quality improvement, or as a nurse practitioner. She is excited to develop her leadership and advocacy skills through this program.
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Sarah Rix MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Sarah is a Bachelor of Nursing student with Central Queensland University. Sarah is a wife and stay at home mum with two beautiful children living in remote Western Australia. Sarah is passionate about rural and remote health and delivering emergency and first response care to these regions. Her long-term goal is to continue studying, developing her nursing skills and working in emergency and critical care in the rural and remote space in a leadership and mentoring role. In her free time, she volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician with St John Ambulance WA and thrive in the fast-paced environment and ever-changing medical situations she come across. Sarahs hobbies include spending time with family and exploring the wonderful national parks and beaches Western Australia has to offer.
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Kimberly Lingard MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Kimberley Lingard is an ambitious undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Her decision to enter nursing was driven by her love of meaningful interactions and a desire to provide service. Her dedication to service is evident through the numerous awards she has received for her contributions to the Surf Lifesaving community.
Bringing many transferable skills to the field, Kimberley is excited to embark on her nursing journey, where she aspires to continually grow both personally and professionally. She looks forward to making a positive impact on the nursing industry and the lives of the people she will care for.
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Francine Ocampo MACN
» About me
Francine is completing her Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) degree at Edith Cowan University in December 2023. Alongside her academic commitments, she works as a disability support worker to enhance her understanding and expertise in the healthcare sector. Additionally, she was a student research intern for Dr. Rosemary Saunders, contributing to a research endeavour titled ‘A systematic scoping review of evaluations and experiences of hospital volunteer programs for older patients in acute care’ under the School of Nursing & Midwifery Summer Research Internship Program. Notably, her abstract received the ‘Best poster presentation’ award at the International Congress on Innovations and Leadership in Nursing and Midwifery.
Francine is eagerly anticipating her graduate role at Royal Perth Hospital in 2024. In her spare time, she finds joy in baking and escape room games.
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Carlo Antonio Tongco MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Carl is originally from the Philippines where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Major in Animal Science) degree. He then worked in the agriculture and animal nutrition sector for 12 years before migrating to Australia in 2012. Carl worked for a further 4 years in the agriculture field, before deciding to study Nursing. After finishing Bachelor of Nursing in 2023, Carl is planning to specialise in mental health nursing through a 12-month graduate program in a regional hospital. Along with participating in the Emerging Nurse Leader Program 2024, Carl also plans to pursue postgraduate study in Mental Health.
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Merindah Overhall MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Merindah (she/her/hers) is in her final year of the Bachelor of Nursing degree at The University of Newcastle, based at the Central Coast Clinical School in Gosford, NSW. After working 17 years in state and local government policy and project positions, Merindah knew she wanted something more. Merindah was a surrogate for her friends and birthed their baby in 2020. It was after this incredible experience that Merindah knew she wanted to work in healthcare. She took the leap, and it has been the best adventure she has ever been on. Merindah works casually as an Assistant in Nursing and is a University of Newcastle Student Ambassador, inspiring the next generation of student nurses and midwives. Merindah loves all areas of nursing so far but is sure she will end up in emergency, oncology, and palliative care nursing throughout her career. Merindah believes in the power of authentic connection, resilience and voice and choice. Her world is her wife Kelly, their three amazing kids and the ocean.
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Stage 2
Ella Samuelsson MACN
» About me
Ella is an accomplished individual who completed her Bachelor of Nursing at CQUniversity in November 2023, setting the stage for her fulfilling career in healthcare. Eager to contribute to patient well-being, she commenced her role as a Graduate Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department in January 2024, channelling her enthusiasm and knowledge into immediate and vital care. Ella’s passion for healthcare and helping others extends beyond the hospital walls, demonstrated by her volunteer work with Camp Quality and Edmund Rice Camps. Particularly drawn to paediatric healthcare and working with children, Ella embodies a compassionate and nurturing spirit that amplifies her dedication to making a difference in the lives of young patients, both within the Emergency Department and beyond. As a member of the Golden Key Honour Society, she brings an exceptional level of dedication and commitment to her academic and professional pursuits. The Emerging Nurse Leader Program aligns with her desire to excel in her profession and further cultivate her leadership skills, propelling her towards a future of impactful contributions and growth within the healthcare sector.
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Patrick Darling MACN
» About me
In 2023, Patrick was a Stage 1 ENL, while completing his final year of Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University in Warrnambool. Patrick has secured a Graduate Nurse Program in 2024 with Alfred Health, where he has been a part of the Integrated Nursing fellowship program throughout his undergraduate degree. He is looking forward to the professional and personal development opportunities his Graduate year will bring, as well as further developing his leadership skills in Stage 2 of the ENL journey.
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Matthew Maranon MACN
» About me
Matthew completed his Bachelor of Nursing at Monash University in 2023. Matthew has a leadership background as the Regional Cadet Under Officer for Headquarters Victoria Australian Army Cadets Brigade in 2021, mentoring, guiding, and leading over 3500 cadets within the Brigade. Matthew also volunteered and led extensively in his time at university, becoming a Peer Mentor and Near Peer Teacher (NPT) in 2022, subsequently attaining the Peer Mentoring Coordinator and NPT Vice-President positions in 2023. He was awarded the Monash Peer Mentoring Leaders Scholarship in recognition of his service and leadership within the program. Matthew worked as a RUSON at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and Health Assistant in Nursing (HAN) at The Royal Melbourne Hospital throughout his undergraduate studies. Matthew hopes to become an ED Nurse Practitioner in the future and is excited to utilise the ENL program to its full extent to kickstart his career and eventually lead and inspire people to better health outcomes.
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Danielle Owens MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Danielle is originally from Liverpool in the UK but now lives in the Gold Coast with her husband and two children aged 12 and 5. She worked for the ambulance service in the UK where she answered emergency calls from the public and also dispatched paramedic crews. When she arrived in Australia she enrolled into a diploma of nursing and have now been an Anaesthetic EN for nearly 7 years in the private sector. She is about to complete her Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Darwin University. When she graduates she will continue in her current role as a senior member of the perioperative team, alongside completing a novice programme in PACU. Danielle has a passion for anaesthetics and loves to teach and nurture students and new perioperative nurses. She aims to become a positive transformational leader and looks forward to this new learning opportunity and journey.
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Marian Hinton MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Marian completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame University, Fremantle in 2023. During her final year at Notre Dame, Marian was part of the executive committee for the Nursing Society and played a key role in the organization and running of their SMARTcare 6 event, alongside the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Marian has a keen interest in Emergency and Critical Care nursing and is thrilled to be commencing her Graduate RN program at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital – Emergency Department in 2024.
Prior to nursing, Marian completed a BA(Dance) and worked as a contemporary dancer, teacher and choreographer before moving into hospitality and venue management.
Marian is incredibly excited to begin her Emerging Nurse Leader journey in 2024 and cannot wait to see where it takes her in her first year of being a Registered Nurse.
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Amber Wighton MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Amber Wighton is a proud Wiradjuri woman and a dedicated Registered Nurse currently completing her graduate year in oncology at Children’s Health Queensland. She recently graduated from the University of Sunshine Coast with a strong clinical focus on paediatrics, oncology, critical care, and research.
Amber’s unwavering passion lies in providing culturally safe and inclusive healthcare to First Nation patients, their families, and communities. Her ultimate goal is to contribute her skills and knowledge to underserved rural and remote communities, where her unique background and expertise can make a meaningful impact to ensure barriers are addressed and healthcare is equitable.
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Julia Szprega MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Julia is 27 years old and is entering Stage 2 of the ENL program. She completed her Bachelor of Nursing this year with Flinders University and absolutely loved the experience. Julia is excited for the upcoming year, her grad year, during which she has secured two rotations at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide – one in surgical and one in medical specialty. She is very enthusiastic about networking with many amazing people and looks forward to the opportunity to learn new skills and gain more knowledge.
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Kirsty Thew MACN
» About me
Kirsty has almost completed her Bachelor of Nursing EN to RN Pathway studies at Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast, (currently halfway through her final placement) and at the same time completed a Dual Diploma in Mental Health & Alcohol and Other Drugs through TAFE QLD. Kirsty is a member of the SCU Nursing Society, have been an SCU Uni Mentor and SCU Bright Futures Mentee.
Prior to nursing, she worked in the construction industry for 11 years, and prior to that worked in hospitality for 11 years, with leadership roles in both.
Kirsty commenced her nursing career in aged care and community health as an EN, and for the last 2.5 years has been working as an EN at a residential drug & alcohol rehabilitation facility. Kirsty has a keen interest in Mental Health and the AOD sector. As she continues her nursing journey as a new Registered Nurse in 2024, she is excited to learn more about leadership in her nursing role to advocate for her patients battling mental illness and substance use, improving her therapeutic relationships with them and her colleagues, and become the best nurse she can be. Kisty’s long-term goal is to become a credentialled mental health/psychiatric nurse specializing in drug and alcohol. Kirsty enjoys being a nurse and making a difference to those she has supported during recovery and looks forward to future opportunities to hone her clinical skills and critical thinking skills, challenging the norms and being an innovator for change. Kirsty is honoured to have been selected for the ENL program and looks forward to connecting to fellow emerging nurse leaders.
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Juliana Owolabi MACN (Undergraduate)
» About me
Juliana is a third-year nursing student with over ten years of teaching experience in Nigeria, where she had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with exceptional students and their families. Juliana also collaborated with stakeholders and government agencies to enhance the educational sector through practical learning experiences for students. These efforts earned her various accolades, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship in 2016 in the USA, a program initiated by former US President Barack Obama. Juliana also had the opportunity to travel to fascinating destinations such as Egypt and Russia.
Juliana’s aim is to become an Australian registered nurse who provides therapeutic patient care and engages with the community to create a sense of belonging and connection. In her leisure time, she enjoys working out at the gym or relaxing at home with a Nigerian meat pie and a good movie after a long day of studying.
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Stevie Vaughan
» About me
Stevie is really excited for the opportunity to be in the program and learn as much as she can to develop her skills. She has secured a graduate position in ED for 2024 and is looking forward to applying the skills she will develop in the 2024 ENL program.
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Paige Isley MACN
» About me
Paige Isley, a stage 2 Emerging Nurse Leader, is a dedicated Registered Nurse with an unwavering commitment to advancing the nursing profession to new heights. Her passionate advocacy and practice of holistic and preventative health underscore her profound understanding of healthcare’s potential for transformation. Beyond her nursing career, Paige embodies an entrepreneurial mindset, persistently exploring avenues for positive change. She’s a versatile professional who not only imparts wisdom as a yoga, pilates, and meditation instructor but also lends her expertise as a birth and postpartum doula. This multifaceted skill set is a testament to her growth mindset, thriving on perpetual learning and innovation. Paige is fully immersed in her mission to consolidate her diverse expertise into an innovative educational endeavour called ‘Birth Plan.’ Her unswerving commitment to the well-being of mothers and infants drives her to create a comprehensive birth education program, with a global reach. Paige’s aspirations include establishing herself as a stalwart leader in the nursing field, driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and a steadfast dedication to personal and professional growth.
During her maternity leave, she cherishes precious moments with her daughter, Billie, using this time for profound introspection and meticulous refinement of her future goals, envisioning an ambitious and purposeful path forward.
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Stage 3
Jayde Scotland MACN
» About me
Jayde is a registered nurse in her 3rd year of practice. She spent her first 6 months in PACU and day surgery, then moved to a busy medical assessment and planning unit where she has been since. During the last 6 months, Jayde had spent some time working in the graduate nurse space as a clinical development nurse. Her passion lies in training and education, specifically in the graduate and undergraduate space, where she can help new and emerging nurses build a strong knowledge base, enabling them to reach their full potential and gain as much knowledge and experience to build a solid nursing foundation. Jayde prides herself on fostering a kind, caring environment with open and honest communication where the team feel supported and valued.
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Mitchell Bannah MACN
» About me
Mitchell made a career change in pursuit of his passion for nursing and healthcare, completing a Bachelor of Nursing at the Queensland University of Technology in 2022. In 2023, he commenced in a graduate role as a Registered Nurse in the Endoscopy unit of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH).
In 2022, Mitchell was selected to work as an Undergraduate Student in Nursing at the RBWH, becoming the first to assume this role in the RBWH in over 15 years. In this position, he worked across the RBWH Infectious Diseases unit, the Infectious Diseases Day Therapy PICC service, and the RBWH COVID response ward.
Mitchell will be commencing postgraduate nursing studies in 2024 and is looking forward to the professional and personal development opportunities that the ACN ENL program will provide, as well as the opportunity to network and build professional connections with others who are passionate about healthcare.
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Tammy Sooveere MACN
» About me
Tammy graduated as a Registered Nurse in 2022 from Queensland University of Technology and will complete her Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing with Central Queensland University in 2023. She has an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and has worked as a project manager of nutrition education programs in developing countries. She hopes to take the lessons she has learned from her previous experiences to continue to develop her leadership qualities and skills. She is excited to be a part of the 2024 ENL program and looks forward to the challenge that it will bring. She is passionate about improving work culture in the field of nursing through excellence in leadership and communication and hopes to one day educate the next generation of nurses. She loves patient-centric care and hopes to contribute to improved patient outcomes throughout her career.
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Megan Spear MACN
» About me
Megan is a Registered Midwife at Gosford Public Hospital, on the Central Coast. Megan works in a Midwifery Group Practice model of care, as a caseload Midwife. It is an exciting time to work in maternity care, where the birth culture is shifting, and women are recognising their rights and needs from the system. Megan is committed to tailoring her care to honour the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the women and families that she works with. She is passionate about creating and protecting a space for women and their families during the antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum journey to ensure they can make informed, empowered choices that feel safe for them. Megan loves her job and considers it an honour to work with women during such a pivotal and vulnerable time.
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Ellen Nash MACN
» About me
After graduating from Queensland University of Technology in 2022, Ellen completed a graduate program in Intensive Care at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. It was the support of her colleagues within the ICU where she developed her passion for critical care nursing and discovered an interest in supporting the wellbeing of nurses. Ellen enjoys the focus and pace required of ICU nursing and is always striving to develop and improve her nursing practice to provide high-quality, patient-focused care. Ellen is excited to participate in the many learning opportunities presented through the ENL program to develop her leadership skills and improve her confidence as an active member of both her local and wider nursing communities.
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Natasha Cole MACN
» About me
Tash is a passionate registered nurse with Queensland Health. As a student at the University of Southern Queensland, Tash found her passion in a place she didn’t expect – Mental Health. She secured a transition support program graduate position in Mental Health after graduating in 2021. Tash rotated through 3 different areas of Mental Health care before finding her home in an acute inpatient ward. She enjoys the complex and varying nature of consumers she cares for and is always up to facing a challenge. Tash is currently studying a Master of Nursing, with a Major in Mental Health and a Minor in Clinical Leadership. Tash is thrilled to take part in the Emerging Nurse Leader program and looks forward to empowering other junior nurses to build their skills in leadership.
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Amanda White MACN
» About me
Amanda is a Registered Nurse at Grampians Health Stawell.
She is currently employed in both the Oncology Unit and the Acute Medical/Surgical Unit.
Amanda’s passion is to share her skills and knowledge and hopefully encourage other people to study and follow their dreams. Amanda looks forward to learning and gaining experience to help her grow as a nurse and leader and continue to follow on to a leadership role in the future.
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Angel Boban
» About me
Angel is a Mental Health Clinician at Grampians Health specialising in youth mental health. After earning her Bachelor of Nursing in 2020, her journey began in aged care and completed a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Gerontology. Later, while working in an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) rehabilitation setting, their intrigue deepened, leading to further exploration in psychiatric inpatient care. Currently pursuing a Master of Mental Health at the University of Newcastle, Angel is dedicated to early intervention and breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health and addictions. Angel’s goal is to bring support to regional and rural areas where it’s needed most. In this demanding yet rewarding field, she looks forward to leadership roles, supporting her colleagues and making a positive impact on mental health awareness and care.
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Penelope McMillan MACN
» About me
Penelope is a registered nurse working in a rural referral hospital, in the Emergency Department. She also enjoys picking up shifts on the Paediatric Unit and the Special care nursery. Whilst Penelope loves the holistic and nurturing nature of these two wards, she also loves and thrives in the chaos of ED. Penelope finds it enjoyable and fun – every day is a challenge and different. Penelope has learnt so much since moving.
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Olga Novak MACN
» About me
Olga completed her Bachelor of Nursing December 2022 at La Trobe University in Shepparton. She wishes to remain and work in regional Victoria and support the local Nagambie and surrounding community to become a Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and critical care nurse. Olga has a passion for nursing since moving to Australia and aspires to become a critical care nurse in the future. Born in Poland has largely shaped Olga’s unique perspectives, aspirations and has shown Olga that if you dream big, anything is possible, and along with hard work one can make ordinary things turn into extraordinary accomplishments. Olga believes that the Emerging Nurse Leader program 2024 will bring a new view into her nursing career and is looking forward to the beginning of this fantastic opportunity and adventure with ACN. Olga strongly believes in the Australian Aboriginal Proverb stating that “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home”.
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Emily Zhang MACN
» About me
Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University in Melbourne, Victoria. She commenced her graduate year at Austin Health rotating in General Surgery and Stroke/Neurology/Epilepsy. As a graduate nurse, she was part of the Social and Wellness Team, and Infection Control Quality and Safety Portfolio Team. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a Wellbeing Ambassador at Deakin, whilst supporting the COVID Response Workforce as a Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON) on medical wards and COVID vaccination clinics. Emily completed Stage 2 of the Emerging Nurse Leaders program in 2023, was a co-moderator at the National Nursing Forum in Adelaide and is currently Leadership Support for the Melbourne Region Leadership Team at the Australian College of Nursing. She has an interest in surgical/perioperative nursing and plans on pursuing postgraduate studies with the hopes of making a difference in people’s lives through various opportunities.
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Ella Yeonjoo Choi
» About me
Yeonjoo completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Griffith University in 2022. Yeonjoo is excited to be an empathetic registered nurse as she commences her graduate year. Yeonjoo wants to truly provide holistic patient-centred care through collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Yeonjoo boosts her motivation to care for people while she provides care for residents and patients as a personal care assistant (PCA) and undergraduate student in nursing (USIN) during her nursing degree. Yeonjoo developed her leadership and communication skills through activities, including serving as president of the Korean Cultural Club at Griffith University and being a peer mentor in a nursing program. Yeonjoo believes that leadership skills are essential to achieve her goal of becoming a person who can support the equity of the healthcare system for every human being. Yeonjoo is excited to improve her leadership skills in the Emerging Nurse Leadership program in 2024.
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Stage 4
Laura Loveday MACN
» About me
Laura, an accomplished nurse since 2019, wholeheartedly dedicates herself to the pursuit of patient care and excellence. Her journey in nursing led her to discover a profound passion for medical and surgical nursing during her graduate program. Here, she thrived in the face of the challenges and complexities that came with patient care in these specialised areas. As a values-driven and ethically minded nurse, Laura exemplifies strong leadership qualities, along with an unwavering commitment to achieving excellence in her field. Her dedication to the well-being of patients extends beyond their hospital stay, ensuring a seamless transition to their everyday lives. Laura’s relentless efforts to enhance patient safety and the quality of care provided make her an indispensable asset to her team and the broader healthcare community. Throughout her nursing journey, Laura embodies the spirit of compassionate care, resolute leadership, and an unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes.
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Caitlyn Moore MACN
» About me
Caitlyn is a passionate, dedicated registered nurse in her third year of practice. Caitlyn is an advocate for the nursing profession and people within her care to receive the support, empowerment, and quality experience they deserve. Caitlyn is excited to continue into her third year of the Emerging Nurse Leader program after being involved in a diverse range of opportunities in Stage 2 and 3 in the past 2 years including presentations, article submission, networking, event planning and delivery, representation, and mentorship. Caitlyn embarked on her journey to become a nurse after falling in love with studying anatomy and physiology; nursing presented the perfect combination of helping others first-hand, continually applying knowledge, and being hands-on. Caitlyn is a strong believer that all people have leadership capabilities and roles, even without the title, and endeavours to embrace all opportunities for personal and professional growth. Caitlyn is excited to continue to engage in the ENL program and is grateful for all the amazing opportunities that will present themselves within this program.
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Grace Benoy MACN
» About me
Grace began her nursing journey hitting the ground running as a Graduate Nurse in 2020, working in Emergency during the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic at St. Vincent’s Public Hospital in Melbourne. She then progressed to further her experience with a Critical Care Professional Development Year beginning on a Neurosurgery ward, upskilling quickly to meet the demand of the Intensive Care Unit during the Delta wave of 2021. Cardiac Nursing then sparked Grace’s interest, as she completed a Transition to Specialty Practice Program in 2022 and has progressed to undertaking the Graduate Certificate in Cardiac Care in 2023 where she currently works in CCU and Cardiology.
Grace has an avid passion in promoting holistic patient centred care clinically, while fostering a culture of support for junior nurses on the ward to enable them to meet their full potential. In her spare time, you’ll find Grace nurturing her friendships exploring local restaurants and live music, playing with her pets and gardening.
Grace is looking forward to refining her leadership skills and collaborating with like-minded nurses through the ENL Program in 2024. Her aspiration is to provide a safe, supportive culture that drives others to strive for their best, in turn improving patient experience and clinical practice along the way.
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Amy Philips
» About me
Amy is in her fourth-year registered nurse, currently working as a clinical nurse educator, specialising in neurosciences. Amy’s educational journey led her through the University of Notre Dame and a graduate program at Royal Prince Alfred (RPA), where she also completed a graduate certificate in neurosciences. Growing up in regional NSW, Amy witnessed the challenges faced by rural families in accessing healthcare, and it is this awareness that fuels her dedication to ensuring patients from these areas receive quality care and support.
Amy is particularly passionate about patients who come to RPA for specialised treatments, such as endovascular clot retrieval and neurosurgery. Amy is deeply committed to sharing her specialised knowledge in this area to support and care for these patients. Through compassionate care and patient-centred advocacy, it is her hope that she will make a positive difference to their lives.
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Jessica Williams MACN
» About me
Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Notre Dame Fremantle. She is a registered nurse working in anaesthetics and recovery at The Mount Hospital, where she completed her grad program. Jessica enjoys a range of different specialities where she is exposed to within the operating suite including cardiac, neuro, orthopaedics, and plastics. In Jessica’s current role, she provides guidance and leadership through coordinating and mentoring new graduates and students. Jessica hopes to further develop her leadership skills and connect with other nurses in leadership positions through the ENL program.
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Hayley Pollock MACN
» About me
Hayley is a continuing ENL, now completing her fourth year in the program. Hayley is an early career registered nurse working in paediatric intensive care. She has experience in neonatal intensive care, paediatric oncology and general medicine and is currently pursuing her postgraduate qualifications in critical care. Hayley’s approach to patient care is grounded in the philosophy of strengths-based nursing. She prides herself on being a fierce advocate for the needs of her patients and their families and is passionate about empowering the families she cares for to be active participants in their loved one’s healthcare team. Hayley hopes to see the culture of early career nurses shift, and fundamentally believes that this starts by approaching nursing education from a strengths-based approach and moving away from a deficit-based model of care. Prior to becoming a nurse, Hayley worked in the policy and projects branch of the NSW public service after obtaining her Bachelor of Psychological Science.
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Caitlyn Knight
» About me
Caitlin is a registered nurse working in a busy emergency department in country NSW. Caitlin’s nursing journey began as an enrolled nurse and credits this time as giving her the confidence to rise into the important role nurses play in regional and remote Australia. Caitlin has worked in a range of public and private settings, including inpatient and outpatient hospital wards, mental health and district community nursing but has now found home in the chaotic, challenging environment of emergency and critical care.
During recent maternity leave Caitlin has become an authorised nurse immuniser and is looking forward to balancing her professional life with raising her son and attending as many ENL events as possible. She is loving both challenges they bring and is excited to be a part of the 2024 Emerging Nurse Leader Program with ACN!
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Lele Xu MACN
» About me
Lele is a registered nurse at Monash Health, Melbourne. She had more than 10 years’ experience as a lecturer and researcher in China. Lele has a passion for nursing and education. She loves to help other nurses to become the best nurses they can be. The job of lecturing, curriculum planning, teaching, and mentoring, is all she desires. Her career goal is to become a nurse educator. Lele believes the ENL program can help her to grow to be a competent nurse educator. She wants to be equipped with solid nursing knowledge and skills, explore, and develop nursing leadership skills. Lele believes the ENL program can help her to grow professionally in her nursing career.
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Lila Pigliafiori MACN
» About me
Lila is a descendent of the Torres Strait Islander, Erub (Darnley Island) people and a descendant of the Aboriginal people of the Waanyi, Garawa and Gangalidda clan groups in the northwest gulf region.
She has over three decades of extensive experience living and working across more than 15 rural and remote communities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health service delivery, Government policy development and program delivery, legal services, State economic development programs, contract management, private business owner, and as a senior manager, working across health, education, training, and workforce.
Lila’s proudest moment was graduating as a mature aged, registered nurse in 2019. She completed a 12-month graduate program with mental health services and continued to work with the mental health services until June 2022. Lila embarked on a career opportunity as nurse educator for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery workforce.
Lila has a strong interest to pursue a master’s degree in leadership and management and mental health nursing with a purpose and vision to invest and focus on nursing care contributions that influences positive change and creates long term, sustainable benefits for First Nations people and the broader multicultural workforce and communities.
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Rebecca Chau MACN
» About me
Rebecca (pronouns: she/her) graduated from the University of Melbourne as a Registered Nurse and completed her graduate year at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She currently works in the Nurse Resource Transition Pool (NRTP) and enjoys its diversity and flexibility. Rebecca is open to anything and everything, with a keen interest in going rural/remote in the future. In 2023, she joined the ACN Melbourne Region leadership team and is now a Co-Communications Coordinator. Beyond nursing and leadership, Rebecca enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, camping and spending quality time with friends and family.
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Stage 5
Nasiba Faiz MACN
» About me
Nasiba graduated from the University of Sydney with a distinction average after studying Medical Science and Nursing. She worked as a Neonatal ICU nurse for two years before moving to her current role as a Paediatric ICU nurse at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. She enjoys the diversity and challenges that ICU nursing offers and has a keen interest in critical care, education, leadership, and humanitarian nursing. She has worked with vulnerable populations across NSW through outreach programs, helped develop a leadership unit of study for university, and was Vice President of her university nursing society. After completing a Summer Research Scholar program, she worked at the Cancer Nursing Research Unit at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in her last year of university, where she had her first publication. In her spare time, Nasiba enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.
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Alicia McKenna MACN
» About me
Alicia has been working as a Registered Nurse and Registered Mental Health Nurse for five years. She started her nursing career undertaking a two-year mental health graduate nurse program in regional Victoria and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice. During her early career, Alicia undertook a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration. From this, she completed a Master of Advanced Nursing Practice in 2023, and in 2024, she plans to combine this with a Master of Public Health Degree at the University of Melbourne. Alicia’s career passions and interests include nursing advocacy, workforce safety and sustainability, mental healthcare, preventative healthcare, public health policy and nursing leadership. Alicia has worked to diversify her skill set and work across different environments, gaining varied experience and exposure. She is currently working in mental health, correctional health, and aged care as a Registered Nurse and Registered Nurse in Charge. Alicia is dedicated to mentoring and teaching and has completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. In the future, she aims to transition into nursing education and teaching while maintaining her clinical skills and contributing to nursing policy. Alicia is an active member of the Australian College of Nursing and volunteers outside of her clinical roles as Co-Communications Co-ordinator for the Melbourne Region and Leadership Support for the Nursing in the Community Faculty. Alicia is excited to be a part of the Emerging Nurse Leader program for stage five, having completed stage four in 2023. Throughout 2024, Alicia hopes to continue building and developing her leadership skills through continuing engagement with the nursing profession and the Australian College of Nursing.
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Michelle East MACN
» About me
Michelle completed a Bachelor of Nursing with Charles Darwin University in 2017 as a mature aged student with a background of 20 years in administration and bookkeeping. Michelle was inspired to study nursing by her mother whom she now works alongside at the Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department. Michelle is currently studying a postgraduate in Emergency Nursing. Prior to commencing with the Tasmanian Health Service Michelle worked in palliative care, medical and surgical nursing areas in the private sector. Michelle is passionate about nurturing young and inexperienced nurses and students. She is a strong advocate for the prevention and elimination of horizontal violence in nursing and works hard to promote strong and empowering nursing relationships. While working in the busy and often challenging ED environment, Michelle works hard to build and maintain positive relationships with patients, colleagues and visitors. While the ever-changing patient presentations within the emergency environment provide a wide variety of learning opportunities on a regular basis, the delivery of adequate and effective palliative care in the acute environment is a particular area of interest. Michelle hopes to one day combine her love of travelling Australia with remote area nursing.
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Jenna Ricciardo
» About me
Jenna graduated from The University of Notre Dame (WA) in 2019 and has worked in a range of nursing specialties. She currently works part-time as a CN in Infection Prevention and Control and part-time as an RN in the Women and Newborn Emergency Centre. Jenna has just completed a Graduate Certificate in Health Professional Education and is currently studying for a Master of Nursing. She completed the ENL Stage 4 program in 2023 and looks forward to the 2024 program!
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